Enoshima Aquarium

The Enoshima Aquarium, officially known as the New Enoshima Aquarium or Shin-Enoshima Suizokukan, opened in 2004 as a modern replacement for the original facility that had served visitors since 1954. Located on the Shonan coast in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, the aquarium sits directly beside Sagami Bay, offering visitors spectacular views of Mount Fuji on clear days and a unique integration of marine exhibits with the natural oceanfront setting.

The aquarium is renowned for its focus on the marine life of Sagami Bay, one of Japan's most biodiverse coastal waters. The facility houses over 20,000 creatures representing more than 600 species, with particular emphasis on species native to the region. Its research contributions to marine biology and conservation, particularly regarding jellyfish breeding and deep-sea creatures, have earned it recognition among Japan's leading aquariums.

Visitors can experience several distinctive exhibits, including the 8,000-ton Kuroshio Sea tank, which recreates the offshore environment of Sagami Bay and features schools of sardines creating mesmerizing patterns alongside sharks and sea turtles. The jellyfish exhibits are considered among the finest in Asia, with the Jellyfish Fantasy Hall displaying multiple species in artistically lit tanks.

Daily dolphin and sea lion shows take place in an outdoor stadium with the Pacific Ocean as a dramatic backdrop. The Deep Sea I section showcases rare creatures from the depths of Sagami Bay, while touch pools allow hands-on interaction with tide pool animals.

The aquarium is accessible via the Odakyu Enoshima Line to Katase-Enoshima Station, followed by a 3-minute walk, or via the Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) to Enoshima Station with a 10-minute walk. From Tokyo's Shinjuku Station, the journey takes approximately one hour by direct Odakyu Romance Car. Standard adult admission is 2,500 yen, with discounted rates for high school students at 1,700 yen, elementary and junior high students at 1,200 yen.